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Chloe Anagnos recently graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, with degrees in journalism and telecommunications.

While an undergraduate, she served in multiple leadership roles, including President of the Student Government Association, a nominating committee member for the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and for the Ball State University Board of Trustees Student Member appointment.

Her dual degrees have allowed her to report on a variety of topics with many forms of multimedia. She has been a contributing writer for media outlets in Indiana on subjects like sports, entertainment, politics, religion, art, culture, health and science.

Anagnos has had the opportunity to interview public figures like journalist Laura Ling, former White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, water activist Alexandra Cousteau and former White House Advisor David Axelrod.

She divides her spare time between volunteering, fundraising and mentoring for the Miss America Organization, the Arthritis Foundation and the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Organization.

TRIGGERING! – Political Correctness Gone Too Far at UMass Amherst

Last week, students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst redefined mass hysteria at a discussion on political correctness hosted by the College Republicans.

The discussion titled, “The Triggering: Has Political Correctness Gone Too Far?” almost immediately turned into a screaming match as some in the audience attempted to deny the panelists a chance to speak.

The panel was moderated by Kyle Boyd, president of the UMass Amherst College Republicans, and consisted of Milo Yiannopoulos, a British journalist, Steven Crowder, Canadian comedian and political commentator, and the “Factual Feminist,” Christina Hoff Sommers.

“We have organized tonight’s event to explore a single question – has political correctness gone too far?” Boyd said over shouts of support and disgust. However, the panelists didn’t back down and purposefully made provoking opening comments.

“Feminism is cancer,” Yiannopoulos said.

Hoff Sommers was greeted with shouts of “racist!” from the audience as soon as she approached the microphone.

The full YouTube video (contains NSFW/K language) of the ordeal is confusing, and I can’t imagine how members of the audience who were there to listen could follow along.

Student protesters interrupted the panelists, accused them of being racist, and told them to get their “hate speech” off of campus. Supportive audience members did cheer while the guests talked about heightened sensitivity on college campuses and microagressions.

The most widely-viewed clip (contains NSFW/K language) from that night was of a single protester who shouted every time Yiannopoulos tried to speak.

Hoff Sommers tells her to “calm down, young lady.” Instead, the protester responds with an impassioned expletive.

Then, the woman begins loudly asserting that “hate speech is not welcome here” and demanding that the speakers “keep your hate speech off this campus,” all while insisting that she is the true embodiment of free speech.

“Stop talking to us like children!” she yelled.

“Stop acting like a child and I will,” Hoff Sommers coolly replied, who is currently a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, DC.

One of the organizers of the panel, senior Nicholas Pappas, said their panel had drawn more attention than any previous event they have hosted – the online videos have more than a million views. He told the Massachusetts Daily Collegian that the discussion was intended to “give other students our perspective.”

It is very discouraging to see how overtly disrespectful these students were to this panel – especially when they couldn’t go more than 20-30 seconds without interruption! The purpose of the college experience is to grow and expand beyond one’s own worldview. If these students can’t sit through a two-hour panel on ideas they may disagree with, how will they ever be expected to hold their own after graduation in the real world?

Originally posted via www.chloeanagnos.com on the day of Indiana’s Republican/Democratic primary election day.

Ah, it’s Indiana primary day, baby. And as a lifelong Hoosier, I’ve never seen more yard signs, rallies, and political ads in a primary season than in 2016.

Presidential candidates on both sides have made stops across our state and it’s actually kind of cool to see Indiana come into play.

But when candidates roll in, so does political rhetoric.

In 2012, I used to be one of those people that told others that they couldn’t complain if they didn’t vote. I made the obligatory Facebook status about the importance of voting on election day. But as Indiana heats up, I’ve cooled down on groupthink rhetoric – mainly because it’s bogus.

Here’s why:

Georgetown political philosopher Jason Brennan, author of The Ethics of Voting, has an excellent post refuting the mantra that “if you don’t vote, you have no right to complain.” As Brennan points out, this argument fails to consider the unlikelihood that your vote will actually have an effect on government policy:

The most obvious explanation is that if you don’t vote, you didn’t do something that could influence government in the way you want it to go. You didn’t put in even minimal effort into making a change…..

But voting isn’t like that! The problem is that individual votes don’t make any difference. On the most optimistic assessment of the efficacy of individual votes, votes in, say, the US presidential election can have as high as a 1 in 10 million chance of breaking a tie, but only if you vote in a swing state and vote for one of the two major candidates. Otherwise, the chances of breaking a tie or having any impact are vanishingly small….

[defenders of the argument that if you don’t vote, you have no right to complain] are really saying something like this:

I ran into someone this morning who complained about how poor he is. I told him, “If you’re not playing the lottery everyday, you forfeit your right to complain about being poor.” The problem with poor people is that they don’t buy enough Powerball tickets.

In my opinion, it’s better to abstain from voting especially if you lack sufficient knowledge of the issues to vote in a minimally informed way. People shouldn’t be stigmatized for abstaining in situations where their participation is likely to make the situation worse, as well.

(And unfortunately, the people that stigmatize are often the ones that further this rhetoric.)

But even if you don’t vote, you can complain if you’re not happy with election results.

No matter who wins either party nomination today, or even the White House in November, every citizen is affected regardless if they vote or not. It’s not like voting is the miraculous way out of big government’s grip – we’re all still expected to pay taxes and live with outdated laws.

So, go to the polls. Or, stay at home. The choice is yours and no one should make you feel any differently.

Chloe Anagnos is a Media Director and PR Specialist by day – lover of liberty, lipstick, and alliteration every other second. A Pretty, Smart Girl began as a way to celebrate beauty and brains through multimedia. Enjoy a hodgepodge of posts ranging from current events to styling tips, international affairs and more.

Why Do College Students Hate Free Speech?

I had the opportunity to spend some vacation time in Washington D.C. this month. The cherry blossoms were beautiful, the food was excellent, and I found a new favorite museum: the Newseum.

For a complete news junkie like me, it was the perfect place to spend two consecutive days. Exhibits ranged from interactive media ethics games to every Pulitzer Prize-winning photo since the award was established in 1917. The most interesting exhibits, in my opinion, were centered around free speech around the world and on college campuses.

A giant world map showed which countries had the greatest amount of freedom of the press. A green-colored country meant the most, yellow was somewhat, and red was least to none at all. It was no surprise that the U.S. was green, some of Europe was yellow, and almost all of the Middle East was red.

The other side of the exhibit held interactive multimedia displays that showcased the history of free speech on campus. Highlights included the Civil Rights movement, protests at Kent State and Columbia University, and an ethics game about college newspapers.

One board in particular intrigued me. It asked: “Should college campuses limit free speech to protect students from hateful comments?” Attendees could take a sticker and put it on the “Yes” or “No” side to cast their vote.

I watched two college-aged girls look at the board, pause for a moment, and put their stickers on the “Yes” side.

Although the majority of stickers disagreed with the statement, I really wanted to ask these two why they thought that way. Here they are surrounded, literally, by maps of the most oppressive places in the world for journalists, and they believe that colleges should censor student speech.

It was a little baffling.

So, why do college students hate free speech?

According to a Gallup Poll released on Monday, college students want free speech on their campuses but want administrators to intervene when it turns into hate speech. However, they disagree on whether college campuses are open environments and on how the media should cover campus protests.

Roughly 78 percent of students surveyed said that colleges should allow “all types of speech and viewpoints,” while 22 percent noted that “colleges should prohibit biased or offensive speech in the furtherance of a positive learning environment.”

The survey’s organizers wrote that, “Students do appear to distinguish controversial views from what they see as hate speech — and they believe colleges should be allowed to establish policies restricting language and certain behavior that are intentionally offensive to certain groups.”

However, 54 percent of students said that “the climate on campus prevents some people from saying what they believe because others might find it offensive.”

Along with the Knight Foundation and the Newseum Institute, Gallup conducted another similar survey of college students and found that they are highly distrustful of the press. Students believe that universities should be able to bar the press from campus in some instances. Lastly, they think that schools should be able to restrict students from wearing costumes that stereotype certain racial or ethnic groups.

Although I’m not entirely sure why college students hate free speech, I think it’s safe to say that the majority of them are done a disservice when administrators create “safe spaces” and microaggression reporting systems when they are faced with speech they don’t like. Students would be better served if their campuses truly had open discussions that exposed them to opinions other than their own and that challenged their viewpoints.

Airing from 2000-2007, the comedy-drama television series, Gilmore Girls, followed the atypical (and sometimes enviable) mother-daughter relationship between Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, the series developed a cult-following due to the witty writing, fast dialogue, and dynamic cast of characters in fictional Stars Hollow, Connecticut.

A smart and sassy woman, Lorelai Gilmore is definitely a libertarian because of the way she upholds the principle of individual freedom and sets a positive example to others, especially her daughter.

Born to an affluent family Hartford, Connecticut, Lorelai grew up with the best of everything. Her parents, Emily and Richard, sent her to the best private schools. At 16, she found out that she was pregnant shortly before her “coming out ball” – a high society event for area debutantes.

The Gilmore’s and the Hayden’s (her boyfriend, Christopher’s parents), put their heads together and decided that the two teenagers would get married right away and that Christopher would go to work for Richard’s insurance firm. Embarrassed that her daughter was pregnant out of wedlock, flashbacks throughout the series show just how condescending and controlling Emily Gilmore was during and after Lorelai’s pregnancy.

Tired of being suffocated by her parents, Lorelai decides to control her own happiness. Leaving just a note behind, she takes her infant daughter, Rory, to the nearest town and asks an innkeeper for a part-time job and a place to stay.

Fast forward 16 years later, and Lorelai is now managing the chic inn where she used to work as a maid. She owns her own home, car, and has raised her daughter to put forth the effort in school to eventually attend an Ivy League university.

Lorelai makes it very clear that she won’t accept help from anyone, until she needs financial support from her parents to send Rory to a rigorous prep school. Her inner-struggle between wanting what’s best for her daughter and being independent from her parents makes for seven seasons of hilariously, dramatic television.

Even though there is constant tension between Lorelai and her controlling mother in almost every episode, Lorelai never ceases to teach Rory that it is best to live an authentic life.

For example, in Season 2, Episode 7, a guidance counselor approaches Rory during the first few weeks at her new, expensive school about being so shut off during lunch hours. Rory usually eats alone while reading and listening to her Walkman. The counselor explains that Rory isn’t fitting in very well and that she would probably make more friends if she socialized at lunch.

Rory tells her mom about this encounter and is self-conscious about how she spends her free hour as any shy, 16-year-old would be.

RORY: I don’t know. Maybe there is something wrong with me.

LORELAI: Oh, don’t say that.

RORY: Maybe I am a loner. I mean, you were mocking my backpack today. I might just be one step away from carrying a mysterious duffel bag.

LORELAI: Oh no, no you don’t. Don’t you go doubting who you are or how you should be. How dare that woman do this to you!

RORY: It wasn’t just her. The whole meeting was [Headmaster] Charleston’s suggestion.

LORELAI: Well, good. It’s time I called on old Schnickelfritz Charleston to tell him to stop messing with my kid’s mind.

RORY: Mom.

LORELAI: No, I’m sorry. I don’t like this. Schools like Chilton try to stamp out every vestige of individuality and I’m not gonna let that happen.

Devastated that Rory is so upset, Lorelai calls a meeting with the Headmaster.

HEADMASTER: How nice. So why did you want to see me?

LORELAI: Well, I wanted to talk to you about Rory and uh, this ridiculous accusation about her being a loner and how that’s somehow something bad.

HEADMASTER: Well, it is bad.

LORELAI: No, it’s not bad, it’s just her. I raised Rory to do what she wants as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else. And I don’t see how her reading a book or listening to a Walkman is hurting anyone.

Lorelai spends the rest of the episode (and truly the majority of the series) empowering Rory, who in turn stands up for herself even when it isn’t the popular thing to do.

College Holiday Party? Better Skip the Props

Ah, today is St. Patrick’s Day. In college towns across America, students are probably skipping class to drink and attend parties while dressed in every green piece of clothing they own.

Shamrock glasses and “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” tee shirts are usually the norm for St. Patrick’s Day party goers. But, as holidays come and go, traditional shirts and accessories could be another opportunity for college administrators and perpetually offended student protesters alike to bypass free expression rights as part of a misguided effort to prevent offense and hurt feelings.

Case in point, a tequila-themed birthday party at Bowdoin College caused quite the uproar a few weeks ago due to guests wearing…tiny sombreros.

When photos appeared on social media of the party and its guests, the entire campus took action.

Bowdoin administrators sent multiple school wide emails notifying the students about an “investigation” into a possible “act of ethnic stereotyping.”

A few days later, the Bowdoin Student Government unanimously adopted a “statement of solidarity” to “[stand] by all students who were injured and affected by the incident,” and recommend that administrators “create a space for those students who have been or feel specifically targeted.” The statement deemed the party an act of “cultural appropriation,” one that “creates an environment where students of color, particularly Latino, and especially Mexican, students feel unsafe.”

“They will participate in an educational program facilitated by a faculty member, attend Active Bystander training and write a letter or paper on these experiences—other aspects of their punishment seem arbitrary. They were forced to move out of their room in Stowe Hall and relocate to doubles in Chamberlain Hall and they are banned from Ivies and Spring Gala.”

However, on the very same night of the “tequila party,” Bowdoin held its annual, administration-sanctioned “Cold War” party. Students wore fur hats and coats to represent Soviet culture and one referred to herself as “Stalin,” making light of a particularly painful era in Slavic history.

What makes one party deserving of school sponsorship while participation in the other will get you kicked out of your dorm room? The mixed messages are even more troubling considering an event last year in which the university provided students and alumni with sombreros and other hats and props for a photo booth. Those photos are still available on the school’s public Facebook page.

It is concerning that Bowdoin can argue that these “tequila party” attendees should have known better than to treat sombreros as silly props if the administration itself didn’t either.

One Microaggression After Another

Now more than ever, college campuses are offering training, courses and even online portals for students, faculty and staff to understand and report microaggressions. Failure to acknowledge harm caused by microaggressions on college campuses is resulting in the resignation of administrators.

Microaggressions are small actions or word choices that seem on the surface to have no malicious intent but that are thought of as a tiny form of violence nonetheless.

For example, by some university guidelines, asking an Asian American where they are from is a microaggression because the questions implies that the person is not a real American.

Protests took place this past semester in support of other students of color at The University of Missouri, Yale, and Claremont McKenna College.

Although Veitch did not step down, he agreed to meet students’ demands which included: diversifying the faculty, creating a black studies program, increasing funding for diversity initiatives and training all campus staff on minority student needs, along with the microaggression reporting program.

Agreeing to student demands did not work for Ithaca College’s president, however.

In January, Ithaca College President Tom Rochon announced he would retire in 2017 which, appeased the groups of students and faculty members that called for his resignation. Rochon was accused of improperly handling racist incidents on campus, and offended student-activists and faculty wanted him out.

Really, only two incidents were reported. The first, an alumni panel discussion in which one panelist, an older white man, called another panelist, a younger black woman, a “savage” after the woman described herself as possessing “a savage hunger.” When the older man was told that his comments could be considered racial and malicious, although he did not mean them to be, he apologized. Rochon put out a statement and apologized:

On Thursday, October 8, we conducted a Blue Sky Reimagining kick-off event, featuring a conversation among four alumni followed by work in small groups brainstorming on how to make the Ithaca College educational experience more immersive.

Insensitive comments were made during the conversation. Immediately following the event, I (Tom Rochon) apologized to the alumna to whom the comments were addressed. We regret that what was intended to be a visionary moment for our community was diminished by insensitive comments.

In general, the college cannot prevent the use of hurtful language on campus. Such language, intentional or unintentional, exists in the world and will seep into our community. We can’t promise that the college will never host a speaker who could say something racist, homophobic, misogynistic, or otherwise disrespectful. Even so, we reaffirm our commitment to making our campus an inclusive and respectful community.

We recognize the concerns raised by members of the campus community about the language used during the Blue Sky event. We reiterate our commitment to the principles of respect and inclusion and to the goal of ensuring that Ithaca College is a place where all students, faculty, staff, and visitors feel safe and respected.

The other? A “Preps and Crooks” theme party that was hosted by a fraternity around Halloween. The dress of the “crooks” was racially insensitive according to some students. Ithaca’s vice president did indeed condemn the “destructive impact” of the event, but it did not satisfy Ithaca students.

By playing into student demands, college administrators are doing students a disservice for not adequately preparing them for the real world where one won’t be protected from speech, actions, or non-verbals that they may not like or agree with.

I started re-watching the series because 1) I love the story line, and 2) I wanted to catch any “Big Government strikes again” moments that I might have missed since the series ended in 2013. Without even making it halfway through the series, I realized that there were far too many to even mention in just one article.

Those watching can’t help but feel sorry for Walter – the cards are stacked against him. When his doctor tells him that he has lung cancer, his wife is out of work and is about 5 months pregnant. His son is an angsty teenager who just so happens to have cerebral palsy. We learn that Walter is an extremely overqualified chemist that is making about $43,000 a year. In order to make ends meet, he works a second job as a car wash attendant.

It’s crazy the amount of road blocks Walter, and those around him, have to face because of Big Government. The obvious drug war aside, Walter encounters tons of red tape when it comes to health care, health insurance, wrongful search and seizure, and my personal favorite, getting ticketed for a broken windshield.

In the second season, two planes collide over Albuquerque and as a result, debris from the wreckage falls all over the city. Walter’s car is hit with small plane parts, and the windshield cracks. While driving down the highway, a police officer pulls Walter over. Perplexed because he had the car on cruise control, Walter asks what the problem is.

The officer simply replies with, “Your windshield is severely cracked and is therefore unsafe to drive.”

Walt explains to the officer that his home was in the area where debris had fallen and that it was an extremely well-known news story. He even points out that the officer is wearing a ribbon pinned to his uniform in honor of the flight victims. The officer says that he understands…but the windshield is cracked and is still still unsafe to drive, so he has to give him a ticket.

Walt reacts the same way most people probably would in that situation – he goes ballistic.

In what world should he or any other citizen be punished by Big Government for the mess ups of others? And better yet, who is supposed to pay for his windshield? Even if Walt wasn’t rolling in drug money, replacing something like that would definitely set a family back for awhile.

This reminded me of plenty of real life examples that Americans have seen recently, especially in Flint, Michigan.

Like the drug wars, which arguably caused Walt to start cooking meth, Big Government caused the water crisis in Flint. The citizens of Flint are paying for the incompetence of Big Government with their pocket books and sadly, their health. Most people in the area, especially children, have lead poisoning and are abandoning their homes. The example in Flint, sadly, isn’t the first and won’t be the last in government incompetence when it comes to one of the most basic necessities like water.

More often than not, Big Government comes in with good intentions and leaves with bad outcomes. ‘Breaking Bad’ is a fabulous piece of television that helps to expose those who are not familiar with the liberty movement of the negative aspects of government overreach.

Mizzou Professor Faces Assault Charge, Suspended

On Nov. 9, 2015, the nation paid close attention to massive protests on the University of Missouri’s campus following the resignation of President Tim Wolfe for his failure to adequately address a series of racial incidents on campus.

Later that afternoon, assistant communications professor, Melissa Click, was filmed by student journalist Mark Schierbecker, in a video that has since gone viral. In the video, Click is seen having a verbal and physical altercation with another student journalist, Tim Tai, who was trying to photograph student protesters who had formed a large circle in the middle of campus.

Claiming that it was a “safe space” for protesters, Click is seen trying to push Schierbecker and Tai away. At one point, Click calls for “some muscle” to remove them both from the protest area. Then, she appears to grab Schierbecker’s camera.

This week, the Columbia, Mo. city prosecutor’s office announced it had filed a Class C misdemeanor assault charge against the professor, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 days in jail. Two days later, the University of Missouri Board of Curators formally suspended her of her teaching duties.

“MU Professor Melissa Click is suspended pending further investigation,” said Pam Henrickson, chairwoman of the University of Missouri Board of Curators. “The Board of Curators directs the General Counsel, or outside counsel selected by General Counsel, to immediately conduct an investigation and collaborate with the city attorney and promptly report back to the Board so it may determine whether additional discipline is appropriate.”

This suspension is appropriate because Click was overly driven to squash the First Amendment rights of the student journalists. As Tai said in the video, he and his colleague had just as much of a right to be there reporting as did the protesters. It is alarming that Click did not seem to understand the basic principle of free speech that she, and members of her former department, were entrusted to teach to budding journalists.

Multiple Threats Made Against US School Systems Following San Bernardino Shootings

In the weeks following the shootings in San Bernardino, California, that killed 14 people, multiple threats have been made against school systems in New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Miami and Indiana.

Members of the Los Angeles Board of Education received a crudely written email that prompted officials to close all 900 schools in the nation’s second-largest school system Tuesday. School officials for the New York City school systems and local law enforcement dismissed an identical threat as a hoax.

On Thursday, school officials in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Houston and Dallas said they received threats similar to the ones received by the Los Angeles and New York school districts earlier this week.

Two schools in Indiana canceled classes after also getting threats. The Danville Community School Corporation said two students were arrested after allegedly making threats against schools in separate incidents.

The Miami-Dade County, Dallas and Houston school districts announced on their websites that “less-than-credible” threats were received by email late Wednesday evening, and that schools would be open Thursday. Officials from Broward County Public Schools in Fort Lauderdale said they also received a threat.

The districts are among the nation’s largest — Miami ranks fourth, Broward is sixth, Houston is seventh and Dallas is 14th.

In Dallas, officials with the Dallas Independent School District said some teachers and staff members at two schools — Pinkston High and Martinez Elementary — received threats via email and notified district officials. The district’s police department activated its emergency response protocol and began working with other law enforcement agencies to make sure the schools were safe.

“We need to make sure that we don’t overreact to fear,” Dallas police Chief David Brown said. Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings agreed, adding, “Obviously someone is trying to scare Dallas and that is not going to work.”

Robert Mock, police chief for the Houston Independent School District, said random overnight searches by explosives detecting dogs and patrol officers turned up nothing after district officials, including the superintendent, received the threat by email.

So far Thursday morning, “everything’s been normal, schools are in session, kids are learning,” Mock said.

He added that he doesn’t want to downplay the message because “a threat is a threat.” But he said the message referred to weapons and explosives among unsophisticated content that was “so far over the top the logistics just didn’t pan out.”

Details about the threats in Miami and Fort Lauderdale haven’t been released yet, but said on their websites they were similar to those received in New York and Los Angeles earlier in the week.

It’s unfortunate that some of the largest school systems in the U.S. let fear win – and dictate action. Instead of having the foresight to recognize hoaxes coming from some of these schools’ own students, the “better safe than sorry” mentality only succeeded in distracting students from what is really important – their education.

“Safe Spaces” Used to Silence Political Speech

In the last year, dozens of protests on college campuses have called for everything from supporting the #BlackLivesMatter movement to demanding that school administrators address racial microaggressions on campus. These protesters and students alike call for “safe spaces” on campuses so that they can have an open dialogue about these issues. But what they don’t realize is that these “safe spaces” are being used to silence political speech – especially speech that they don’t agree with.

For example, George Washington University police ordered a student to take down a Palestinian flag that was hanging from his dorm window because it was not “respectful of your peers,” according to an administrator.

Ramie Abounaja, a 20-year-old pre-med student, was visited by a GWU police officer in October. The officer claimed he had received “numerous complaints” about the flag and wouldn’t leave the room until it was removed. Abounaja complied, but later questioned whether he had actually violated any university policies.

Then, on Tuesday, to my alarm, I received an email from the Graduate Fellow Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities stating that they “received a report from the GW University Police Department regarding [my] behavior” that I was “found to have had a flag out [my] window” and that the letter “serves as a warning that this behavior is a violation of the ‘Code of Student Conduct and/or the Residential Community Conduct Guidelines.’” The letter also warned me to be “respectful” of my “peers” that “my behavior had the potential to leave a profound impact on the community.” The letter (attached) did not provide any details as to which provision, article or rule I violated.

According to The Intercept’s Andrew Fishman, GWU has no policy barring flags on the inside of dorm rooms, but it does prohibit flags hanging outside of the dorms – even though numerous amounts of flags have been seen flying outside of GWU dorm windows.
It seems as if the police are only called to remove flags that have offended others. Certainly, Abounaja is a victim of viewpoint discrimination. This kind of censorship—censorship of pro-Palestinian speech—is common according to Fishman:

Campus free speech and so-called “political correctness censorship” have been vigorously debated over the last two decades. That topic received particularly intense attention from journalists and pundits this year in response to controversies at the University of Missouri, Yale and other campuses.

In the first half of 2015 alone, Palestine Legal, a U.S. civil rights advocacy organization, has reported 140 instances of suppression of Palestine advocacy, 80 percent of which has happened on college campuses.

A Jewish student at the University of Michigan was recently investigated by a student government ethics commission after Palestinian students took offense at him aggressively criticizing a pro-Palestinian display. According to The College Fix, the commission affirmed that the student had a First Amendment right to question the demonstrators.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign fired Professor Steven Salaita for his anti-Israel tweets and his lawsuit is currently moving forward in a federal court. The University of California is attempting to label all criticism of the state of Israel as anti-Semitic hate speech and Occidental College may institute a microaggression reporting system.

The First Amendment rights of everyone are in danger if one person’s freedom of expression can be diminished by an administrator, campus police officer, or an emotional student. The words “hateful” and “offensive” are relative terms. We cannot protect the kinds of speech we find to be agreeable unless we can also protect the kinds of speech we find disagreeable.

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August 20, 2018 by BigSkyCo from United States

Great mix politcs and humor. I love the cast of characters, even Vibbs.

Best Libertarian Podcast.

July 20, 2018 by Alistair K. Nye from United States

Without a doubt the best libertarian podcast out there. Deeply insightful, smart, funny as hell, and easy to understand even when they dive deep. They are neither left or right, libertarianism at it's best. It's 'üge.

Best intro to Libertarianism

April 7, 2018 by TILAME from United States

Highly recommend for independents and libertarian-curious. Casual dialouge, informed hosts, and great recent changes that focus more on current events than personal relationships. The host remains largley non-partisan, and critical of every party, including the Libertarian Party. The host has an engaging voice, and the episodes are long, so it is perfect for work or long drives.

Great Show

March 28, 2018 by Davistribe50 from United States

Easy to follow. They talk about things that matter to most people. A fresh look you won't get elsewhere.

If you feel orphaned by the two parties, welcome home.

November 27, 2017 by Rainbow Chardy from United States

I’ve never fit into the left or right, soon realized I was a Libertarian but still didn’t feel like I had resources or a community to tune into where ideas where treated in a way that RESONATED. Enter WAL. Such a great feeling to find others like myself. Only suggestion? I wish there was a woman—shoot I wish I *was* the woman! Let me know if I can contribute!—and sometimes it’s total boy nerddom...which is fine but I would totally dig a woman(s) interaction in the mix. You guys are great and don’t stop!

Best libertarian podcast

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My favorite political podcast. Chris Spangle and his team have great chemistry and are well researched. I laugh and learn every episode.

Long time listener

July 9, 2017 by Chris JV Chris JV from United States

Rewriting this review because this show has been excellent lately.
Been listening for a while and you guys are doing a great job improving the quality of this show.
What differentiates it is that Chris is a left leaning libertarian, Greg is a right leaning libertarian and Harry is an anarchist. It's interesting having those three strands of the modern libertarian movement interact on current events. Cat is actually a decent addition.

Equally Political and Entertaining

July 1, 2017 by Really nice music from United States

One of my favorite political podcast. This show will go as deep as any other show you may listen to, but it's also one of the funnest shows out there. Greg is incredibly thorough in his research and him and Chris are a true dynamic duo.

Deplorable Cucks

June 28, 2017 by RazmanianDevil from United States

Okay the title seems negative, but these guys get that humor. This podcast has been a diamond in the rough for me. They're more professional and intelligent than you would think and just childish enough in their dialogue to hold my attention. My new favorite and they have 100% my support.

Love it.

June 24, 2017 by @troybotkins from United States

Love the show!

A breath of fresh air

June 7, 2017 by Kristi Liberty from United States

I've recently gone back and listened to the episodes from the beginning. A great show from Episode 1 to Episode 211. The hosts may change around a bit, but the show brings great Liberty oriented content on a consistant basis. I even <3 the opening banter!!!!

normie poison

June 6, 2017 by Millennail Liberty from United States

The only people who don't like WAL are statists, normies, and boomers.

Intellegent, Funny, and Wild

June 6, 2017 by Kyllat from United States

Love it. Yuge podcast network. They have the best words.

Listen to every episode

June 6, 2017 by cmurray1105 from United States

This is such a great podcast. Chris Spangle is the bees knees. I love the show!

Great show

May 11, 2017 by Bald Jordan from United States

Other phone crashed again. Idk what's going on with it. Where are you at?

Entertaining and informative

May 4, 2017 by Kent1423 from United States

We Are Libertarians provides an honest and unique perspective on modern political goings on. They present the side of the news that mainstream media ignores because they aren't beholden to any corporate overlords. It's informational, but also FUN! Too many libertarian podcasts forget the importance of having fun while presenting ideas.

Tad Western approves ??

April 21, 2017 by Tad Western from United States

WAL is the pinnacle of political podcasts!

Great show!

April 16, 2017 by jennbgray from United States

Libertarians can get pretty wonky sometimes, so it's great to have a more relatable alternative.

Thank you Dear Leader

March 30, 2017 by zwansong76 from United States

Entertaining and informative. Who but Spangle & Lenz could use the word praxeology in a conversation, and make it FUNNY? Good stuff.

Podcast? More like hot bodcast!!

March 25, 2017 by Cale Tompkins from Canada

Amirite?!? Not only are these men smart but they're in peak physical condition. I can hear their virility over the airwaves.

Good usually

March 20, 2017 by MrKrabbs1 from United States

If you can get beyond the self congratulatory circle jerk that occurs basically every episode, it can be pretty enjoyable. However, like all other libertarian podcasts, the hosts like to pay themselves on the back excessively and bask in their accomplishments--real or imagined.

Favorite libertarian podcast

March 10, 2017 by Extreme iOS user from United States

Lots of great guests. Worth a listen. A little light on philosophy, but it makes for that by being very entertaining.

Informing and Entertaining!

March 3, 2017 by 1233554367585$29 from United States

I love this podcast so much! The cast is pretty diverse (maybe get some more women), and they have a variety of different types of shows. Some are more informational about news from a libertarian perspective, and others are more emotional and talk about libertarian solutions to current government created problems. The cast is also pretty hilarious, which makes the longer podcasts very easy to listen to.

The most fun you will have listening to political banter!

January 30, 2017 by Ben DeJong from United States

If you are a libertarian minded or even lib curious, this is the podcast for you! I have listened to a dozen different libertarian podcasts and no one blends humor with topical political insight from a true libertarian point of view as perfectly as Greg and Chris. Keep up the great work guys!!!

This is by far my favorite podcast.

January 26, 2017 by Americamericafreedom1234usa from United States

So inviting. So intelligent. So funny. So crude. So philosophical. Wow.

Wish it was more than once a week

January 19, 2017 by Elvis236 from United States

I love this podcast. Superb libertarian talk and political/media criticism and commentary. I could listen to Chris and Greg for hours. Keep up the great work guys.

Amazing

January 2, 2017 by Davgr007 from United States

A great libertarian podcast!

Love y'all!

December 9, 2016 by Cynd1966 from United States

I recently discovered your podcast. I have known for years that I lean towards the Libertarian party. I first learned of the Libertarian movement from listening to Neal Boortz. And even today I still listen to him after his retirement. It is great to hear others who share some of the same opinions.

Worth Your Time

November 23, 2016 by Reasonable01 from United States

This is a really great way to ease into politics if you haven't really paid attention before. The hosts are funny and very well informed. Also, their unabashed criticism of both democrats and republicans makes the entire podcast seem a lot more honest.

Great Show

November 22, 2016 by DaneKirk from United States

One of my favorite podcasts. The analysis is right on and much better than the garbage you get from the MSM.

Very informative and eye opening.

September 9, 2016 by AndrewBowman91 from United States

As Chris says in the intro, they make sense of the world around us by thinking differently.
I highly encourage everyone to listen to their entire postcast family. You will not be dissapointed. By presenting topics in a way that brings several views to the table, Chris, Greg, and No Show Anagnos, and #NeverBitner + guests, provide real commentary. I always enjoy listening and appreciate the work the entire team puts forward to providing the content. Everyone who contributes has something meaningful to say and I have learned something new every episode.

Becca

August 2, 2016 by Beccakephart from United States

I think I finally realized why as a generally liberal democrat that I love this podcast so much. Chris and Greg (and others) have a special gift in that they are able to challenge my political conclusions without elliciting a defensive response. That's rare and appreciated. Keep up the good work.

Amazing

June 12, 2016 by MrNye from United States

A great look at both politics and principles. You'll laugh and learn, and what's better than walking away knowing more and having had a great time learning?

These guys are #SoBrave

April 24, 2016 by Clitcommader from United States

This podcast touches me where my feels are. It's like hanging out with some friends and discussing what's going on in the world, yet I'm just listening. I'm addicted, the first thing I do when I wake up is to see if there is a new episode to listen to. I can't believe how brave Belinda is....

Great!

April 6, 2016 by CD Kauai from United States

Love that they sometimes drink beer and eat pizza while discussing libertarian subjects and deal with the cats in the room!

Dank Memes

March 11, 2016 by Meech1889 from United States

Bro

Always a good time

March 6, 2016 by Flychiken from United States

One of the most funny and fun podcast to listen to, and they bring on interesting people from multiple viewpoints.

Best Libertarian Comedy Podcast!

February 3, 2016 by Ecc3_15 from United States

Very enjoyable and funny. This is probably my favorite podcast.

Wonderful podcast

January 22, 2016 by p_aaron_oid from United States

These guys are informative all while not taking themselves to seriously. Sometimes you start to believe you are in the apartment having a conversation with them.

Trust me. I´m listening for more than 2 years

January 19, 2016 by The Iluminado from United States

I´ve been following these guys since about the 20th episode. That was the golden time when their main mission was to teach us about some basics of the libertarian stuff and discuss some of the current political status. I´ve learned a lot. For the episodes 20-60 that format got its momentum with some hard and thrilling discussions, especially when Geena was on. Then we got a series of confusing programs when our Great Leader went missing, due some kind of menace from the Great White North. That where some hard times. Then Our Dear Leader came back with some new guidelines, bought some cats, lost weight, started working on the hours of a 18th century farmer.... The enlightenment came under new fatwas and here I am... I dear listener for more that 2 years and a true fan.

Great Pod

January 5, 2016 by VinnyAnders from United States

Chris and co are always informative and present their opinions from differing perspectives. Entertaining and fun!

Fan

December 30, 2015 by Rob Kendall from United States

This show is amazing! Very entertaining and a good listen.

The Only Politics Podcast

November 6, 2015 by The Only Politics Podcast from United States

My husband started listening to podcasts earlier this year, and of all the politics podcasts he listens to, this is the only one I will listen to with him. At first I thought it was weird, but now I get upset with him when he listens to them without me. I subscribed to the podcast just so I can listen to the ones he doesn't save for us to listen to together.

Excellent

October 19, 2015 by Simba. L13 from United States

Great discussion with a great group of differing opinions and personalities. They have given me a lot to think of and are a very fun listen.

Fresh and Hilarious Take on Politics & Current Events

June 4, 2015 by FlyinRyan7 from United States

If you’re looking for a podcast that mixes current events, politics, libertarianism, and humor, look no further. This podcast is dynamite and includes a crazy cast of hilarious participants that will leaving you intrigued, perplexed (...Miah...), fired-up, touched, laughing or some combination all led by Chris “Dear Leader/The House I Live In” Spangle.
Hands down this is my go-to pod cast and I’m pumped to see what these guys/gals do in the future.

Good Stuff

May 23, 2015 by DaveJones*** from United States

WAL is fun and informative. Highly recommended!

A great podcast!

May 18, 2015 by cxykttn6969 from United States

Dear Leader and his subordinates bring a delightful insight into the current happenings of our country! This podcast has a wide array of characters ranging from the slightly dopey (Greg Lenz) to the very exotic (Joe Ruiz ) and The powerful (Chris Spangle!)

Truly a great Political/Current Events Podcast

May 9, 2015 by Touch001 from United States

I can’t recommend this podcast enough, I’ve been listening for a couple years and its only gotten better, it is both entertaining, humorous, informing, and educational. It’s easy to listen to and you laugh and enjoy the time spent listening to it. Keep up the good work guys!

A Circle of Friends

April 30, 2015 by graphicahead from United States

For someone who is exposed to very few people who think deeply about the impact of philosophy and politics on their daily lives, WAL provides water in the oasis.
I discovered the show very early in my exploration of the libertarian worldview. Without this resource, I may not have felt as connected to the sometimes complex concepts one encounters in academic writings and the daily unfolding of current events.
A listener who wishes to hear a range of ideas for applying the philosophy of liberty, rather than being bombarded with singular and absolutist positions, WAL is the podcast for you.
The down to earth and unscripted discussion is authentic and genuine and makes you feel as though you are a participant amongst a circle of friends.

Open your Mind

April 29, 2015 by Sawzall582 from United States

Consider liberty and freedom with a cast of independant thinkers. Current event analysis and Libertarian philosphy are both explored. Give these freethinkers a chance. One feels like a part of the discussion as topics are explored.

Where Are You?

April 25, 2015 by hollenjj from United States

Guys, on episode 104 you did not close with the tag line. I know Greg was not on the show, but come on...ya gotta do it.
Great shows every episode and I love that you're back more frequently.
You guys rock, but on the tag line...next time... "Try to do better next time". ?

great

April 18, 2015 by you can call me papi from United States

at first i thought, great... another minarchist podcast but these guys really are great political new and commentary. good job, my only advice is easy on the rand paul jerk

So Good

April 14, 2015 by RedSoxFan207 from United States

I love listening to this podcast!
Informative, many points of views, and funny

Doesn't take itself too seriously

April 12, 2015 by Cdanl2 from United States

This is an entertaining discussion-format podcast discussing a variety of political issues - but unlike a bunch of other libertarian podcasts, it doesn't take itself too seriously, and entertains as much as it informs.

I started listening to WAL in Spring of '14. Since the political dicussion covers a variety of topics, it's important to find authors, audiobooks, and podcasts, that keeps you interested in the ideas surrounding the topics. The hosts do a great job of uniting politics and humor. They keep you laughing while maintaining a solemn temperament. They do a solid job in covering as many topics in each episode, so don't worry if you missed it; eventually, it will be discussed. A must have subscription for any person who wants to be involved in the discussion or just wants to know what's going on. Personally, I enjoy the foreign policy discussions the most.

Great Podcast from a liberty perspective

April 4, 2015 by Goulio05 from United States

These Guys are very informative and have good entertaining banter. They will also force you to examine your own perspective.

Converted!

April 4, 2015 by Kiltedman5332 from United States

After years of feeling disappointed with both democrats and republicans I have finally discovered why. I am a Libertarian! These podcasts are totally on point. Love listening. So proud to have gone to high school with these guys.

Great

April 4, 2015 by Eye_see from United Kingdom

Like a bunch of great friends selling you all things libertarian.

Wildly Sub-Par

April 3, 2015 by Mike Pence from United States

When I think of what I want to listen to while I choke the chicken, I come straight to this. The sound of their political ramblings really get me off.

Very honest varied perspectives

April 3, 2015 by Torchstone from United States

Not your normal crap.
A very good mix of opinion that shows that not only is everyone their own man (or woman, or man turned woman ;-) but libertarians themselves are a mixed bag as well.

Great Podcast

April 2, 2015 by PurplelyPurp from United States

Good podcast for new libertarians.

Political commentary that doesn't take itself seriously

April 2, 2015 by Jonnyprince from United States

This is very easy to digest commentary from a libertarians perspective. Excellent for those new to the Liberty movement or just curious to see what it's all about. It helps that it's pretty funny, too.

Great Show

April 2, 2015 by Akpalmer1979 from United States

Great show with insight you don't get from mainstream media.

I like it

February 26, 2015 by SkiBum 1978 from United States

This is a pretty good podcast for newbie Libertarians.

Great Podcast

February 7, 2015 by The LAVA Flow from United States

I listen to every single episode. Great podcast with a great cast of characters. Keep it up, guys!

Great podcast

September 20, 2014 by Goofy goner from United States

I love this podcast.

Best Libertarian Podcast

November 25, 2013 by PNWdankery from United States

This is easily one of my favorite podcasts week after week. I like how each person on the show brings their unique views to the show and they always cover excellent talking points. Very informative, and always get a few laughs.

Awesome

November 14, 2013 by Pug IBMC from United States

Great show. Knowledgeable fellas. Good time listening to the show.

Very Solid

November 3, 2013 by rcon14 from United States

Informative and exposed me to some topics I was initially unfamiliar or uninformed on. Love the interviews as well. Helps add current resolutions to the issues. Like the range of libertarian views, gives a wide perspective.

Mr.

September 10, 2013 by SandersTactical from United States

Awesome pod cast! Very intelligent, informed, and entertaining hosts! They offer opinions across the Libertarian spectrum providing a well rounded response to each issue presented. These guys and gals are a great resource for all Liberty loving individuals.

Great show!

September 10, 2013 by Brent J. from United States

I stumbled across this show a few weeks ago and find it very interesting.
Despite the Indiana-centric elements not being relevant to me as a Minnesotan, the show is great!
Episode 58, was very interesting and thought provoking!

A new addiction

August 15, 2013 by PaulVCope from United States

I look forward to this podcast more than anything else each week. If you want commentary on the latest happenings in the world, this podcast delivers without question. Even though they are all libertarians there is plenty of back and forth with very different views.

These guys get it.

August 3, 2013 by Brad@MyHeroesThink from United States

Its funny. Co-workers just think I'm listening to music all day. But instead, I'm immersed in a conversation between a gang of Libertarians. It's great, and it makes my day fly by. Smart people. Great flow. Its just what I was looking for...

WAL is the best

July 18, 2013 by sbarber12542 from United States

One of my favorite podcasts. the thing I like about it is that the host and co-hosts can have seriuos conversations about politics and then go off on a tangent that is absolutly hilariuos. The best episodes are the ones were you guys are unprepared and off the cuff. Chris Spangle is the best host and makes the podcast awesome. Any podcast with himk on it is awesome keep up the good work guys. Also if you could talk about some good books for the newly converted libertarian that would be great!

My favorite podcast and best source for libertarian talk

July 13, 2013 by Jluginbyhl from United States

I have listened to every show. They are all great. Sometimes they are very informative and other times very entertaining. It's a great cast. I look forward to every new show.

Awesome!

July 7, 2013 by AngrySoft from United States

Instead of wasting all their time talking about issues, they just come across as some average nerds talking to each other!

Great stuff!

May 15, 2013 by Rat Poux from United States

Love the discussions on current events and politics and happy to see a lively Libertarian podcast out there!
Keep the great work coming guys. =D

I find myself joining the debate alone in my car...

May 14, 2013 by dasher528 from United States

This podcast is the best libertarian podcast I have heard so far on iTunes! I have about an hour and a half commute to work everyday and this podcast makes the time fly by. It is so refreshing to hear other people openly discuss the Libertarian philosophy without being cut off by a talkshow host with an agenda to push. I cannot tell you how awesome it is to know that there are smart educated people in the world who share the same viewpoints as I do. The ONLY reason I did not give 5 stars is because new shows are not frequent enough :( Now I realize we all have day jobs but honestly, with Libertarianism becoming more mainstream and people looking for a voice like their own, I think it would be wise to prioritize this show to ensure there is at least one new show a week... and if you would like a female libertarian from Chicago to offer a different viewpoint, give me a call!!!

Intelligent Political Conversation

April 24, 2013 by Ryan Ripley from United States

This podcast produces excellent political content that makes you think. The co-hosts are all well spoken and very knowledgable about the Libertarian movement. The emotions run high at times, but that is a big part of the fun. Highly recommended!

Extremely Well Done

April 24, 2013 by Yellowperchman from United States

This is by far the best political podcast I have ever listened to. I sincerely hope this group of guys catch on like wildfire and eventually get their own nationally syndicated radio/tv show. They are that good. We need less progressive and neocon talking heads and more sensible/pragmatic people like them. I do must say, I miss Gault!!!! :-D

I love this podcast! It's funny yet informative. It has definitely been instrumental in my conversion away from rightwing conservatism. You will laugh at loud with the hosts as they mock and make fun of each other. Bring back Gault.

Great Podcast

March 12, 2013 by dbcva from United States

Like Lifesavers have peppermint, wintergreen, and traditional five flavors, this podcast represents all of the varied and tasty flavors of libertarianism.

Great Podcast

March 8, 2013 by mawest84 from United States

I've been searching for a Libertarian themed podcast for a while, and was mostly unsatisfied with what I'd listened to. That was until I found this one. The topics are always interesting and the conversations are smart. I've recommended the 'cast to most of my friends since I've started listening. Really appreciate what these guys are doing.

Scourge of the Earth

March 8, 2013 by Miah Akston from United States

I think its so so ... could be better ... nah just kidding ... I LOVE IT

One of my go-to podcasts

March 8, 2013 by annilita1 from United States

I always look forward to getting a new episode. Nice range of libertarian beliefs, well argued and researched.

Great podcast, 1 minuscule problem.

February 20, 2013 by DataMatr1x from United States

This is a great podcast for libertarian ideas. My ONLY complaint is the annoying new intro. I appreciate the attempt but... Not everyone is Weird Al.

Better than anything ever, ever

February 9, 2013 by MyOpinionIsUndeniable from United States

Best political podcast on the internet. Best political commentary there is...makes mainstream media look like children. 1,000,000,000 stars!! Listen to thsi podcast!!!! Ahhhh!!!!

Great show

February 6, 2013 by indytim33 from United States

Best. Libertarian podcast. Ever.

Thanks

October 13, 2012 by HoosierCountry from United States

Thanks to everyone for their kind reviews! - Spangle

Good 4 ppl new 2 politix

August 29, 2012 by KrypticKaos_ from United States

The guys are informative for people who may not be very familiar with politics and government. They're also funny, which makes it easy to listen to. If you're young you should try it out.

Finally

June 4, 2012 by Boolez from United States

A podcast who speaks for the average joe. Gary Johnson 2012! -Bz

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The Chris Spangle Show is a podcast about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Chris Spangle of We Are Libertarians brings listeners a daily dose of libertarian commentary on current events.

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